Retrospective study of incidence of late recurrence and second primary cancers 5-10 years after nonmetastatic colorectal cancer

The fraction of patients who are cancer-free survivors 5 years after curative-intended surgery for nonmetastatic colorectal cancer (nmCRC) is increasing, suggesting that extended CRC-specific surveillance beyond 5 years may be indicated. A nationwide retrospective study in Denmark included 8883 disease-free survivors 5 years after surgery for nmCRC between 2004 and 2013. Between 5 and 10 years after surgery, 4.1% developed late recurrence, 3.0% developed metachronous CRC, and 7.2% developed a second primary cancer. The risk of late recurrence (2.9% versus 5.6%) and metachronous CRC (2.1% versus 4.1%) was lower among patients operated between 2009-2013 compared with patients operated between 2004-2008, while the risk of second primary cancer remained stable (7.1% versus 7.1%). The authors conclude that these data do not advocate extending CRC-specific surveillance beyond 5 years (graphical abstract).